The Inca Trail is on the bucket list of many travelers and avid hikers, and you may be wondering is it truly worth the effort? And the answer is yes! Although the Inca Trail may not be for everyone, it is still a once in life time experience that can be achieve with previous organizing and preparation.
Learn everything there is to know to hike the Inca Trail and enjoy of your experience from beginning to end!
Why is the Inca Trail So Popular?
The Inca trail is a four-day trek that start in your classic Andean scenery and as day passes the surrounding turn into a humid forest. Of course, the trail is very special for various reasons one of the main is walking an ancient path that has centuries and was built by the greatest Incas and to crown the experience on the final day the access to Machu Picchu (one of the seven wonders) is through the Sun Gate or Inti Punku.
Many visitors state to have the sensation of earning permission to enter Machu Picchu by hiking the Inca Trail, a specie of reward after all the previous effort…being left only with a satisfying feeling.
How difficult is the Inca Trail?
The Inca trail hike difficulty, involves a few factors to consider such as weather conditions, the tour operator management of the route and timing, hiking experience, physical conditions and of course the mindset, all these of course makes it different for every individual hiker.
When deciding whether or not the Inca Trail is the right hike for you, take into consideration the information previously mentioned. Mostly, the hike has a moderate to challenging difficulty, where day 1 and day 2 would truly put you on trial and challenge you.
Especially on the second day where reaching the top of the Dead Woman’s Pass must be accomplished 4,200masl (13,776 ft), some tour companies even organize a toast to celebrate that the hardest portion of the trail has been accomplished. The rest of the path goes mostly downhills in staircases.
The best time to do the Inca Trail
This region of Peru is feature by its two seasons, the wet or rainy season and the dry season, however visiting Cusco on the dry season does not ensure not to experience rain at all. It is important to understand that the weather in this regions can be very unexpected.
- Dry Season – May to November
It is unlikely to seen heavy rain during these months but not impossible. It is also the time where Cusco receive more lightning, the days are usually bright and the nights colder. Aside from that, the touristy peak season start in June to August, bringing the big crowds.
- Wet or Rainy season – December to April
The wet season come with heavy rains and sometimes thunderstorms. Nevertheless, months like April and November will be quite nice as the weather gets warmer when the rain is away, and keep in mind as the rain comes the touristy masses apace.
Please note that during the peak of rainy season February, the Inca Trail remains closed due to landslides and conservation works on the area. But don’t worry Machu Picchu can still be visit during this time of the year.
The best time to hike the Inca Trail is during the wet season from May to October the soil and paths are dryer and less muddy on the last portion of the hike, is important when you choose to hike the Inca Trail so you can also be well preparing.
Do you need to book in advance?
Yes! It is important to book your Inca Trail in advanced, before you do that please check the information below with the best tips:
- There are only 500 spaces each day, regulated by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture
- Out of 500 only 200 hundred approximately will be visitors the rest would be the tour operators stuff and porter
- Make sure too book your permits a year in advanced if possible
- The Inca Trail must be book through authorized tour companies, and cannot be done by yourself according to Peruvian regulations
- You Inca Trail permit will also allow you to visit Machu Picchu
- Every company has a specific capacity for the stuff you can bring with you on the trek
- The Inca trail remain close on February
As you can see, the Inca Trail will require certain time to research and preparation prior to your booking, make sure you choose wisely especially when and how to visit. In case you need more information or assistance for instance where to book your Inca Trail with a tour operator in Cusco directly, please do not hesitate in contact us
